For many years, illegal drugs have remained one of the most serious threats to peace, security, and public safety in many parts of the country, affecting communities regardless of location or terrain. In its sustained campaign to curb the spread of illegal substances, the Philippine National Police (PNP) actively monitors both urban and far-flung areas often exploited by criminal groups. This commitment was highlighted by a successful police operation in Tinglayan, Kalinga, which led to the recovery of illegal drugs worth millions of pesos.
Under the command of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, the police force has intensified its fight against the illegal drug trade through enhanced police operations and intelligence gathering, strengthened police presence, and active public reporting mechanisms. These efforts aim to disrupt drug supply routes and prevent criminal syndicates from using secluded locations as transit points for illegal substances.
On January 21, 2026, joint operatives from the Tinglayan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office responded to information regarding abandoned sacks found in Sitio Tangilig, Barangay Upper Bangad, Tinglayan, Kalinga. Upon verification, police personnel discovered eleven sacks containing a total of 217 bricks of suspected marijuana, with an estimated weight of 217 kilograms.
The seized illegal drugs were valued at approximately Php26,040,000 based on standard drug pricing. The marijuana bricks were concealed in a remote and rugged area, indicating that the individuals responsible may have deliberately abandoned the shipment to evade detection amid heightened police presence and surveillance in the region.
All recovered marijuana bricks were properly documented, inventoried, and turned over to the appropriate units for further processing and disposition in accordance with established procedures. Although no suspects were arrested during the operation, PNP is conducting follow-up investigations and intelligence efforts to identify and track down those responsible, including potential drug networks operating within Kalinga and nearby provinces.
PLtGen Nartatez underscored the PNP’s firm stance against illegal drugs and criminality, as well as its commitment to prevent criminal groups from exploiting isolated locations for illegal activities, stressing that no area is beyond the reach of law enforcement.
“Hindi natin hahayaang makalusot ang mga grupong patuloy na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan. Remote areas will never be safe havens for criminal activity. Patuloy ang pagbabantay ng PNP at ang paghahanap sa mga sangkot hanggang sila ay mapanagot,” he said.
As PNP sustains its drive to remove illegal drugs from circulation, this successful operation serves as a clear message that law enforcement remains alert and proactive across all regions. Through continued vigilance, strengthened partnerships with local communities, and relentless law enforcement efforts, PNP remains determined to dismantle drug networks and ensure that peace and order are upheld, even in the most geographically isolated areas of the country.
